MarylandSB 03852026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Public Health - Recommendations for Immunizations, Screenings, and Preventive Services - Pharmacist Administration and Required Health Insurance Coverage (The Vax Act)

Sponsored By: Malcolm Augustine (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

Health Care Facilities and RegulationHealth - InsuranceHealth OccupationsChildren (4-12)Electronic GovernmentHealth -see also- COVID19; EnvHlth; MedCon; etc.Health Care CommissionHealth, Department ofHealth Insurance -see also- ACA; HMOs; MCOsImmunizationInfants and Toddlers (0-3)Internet -see also- Internet AccessNoticesPharmacists and Pharmacies -see also- DrugsPublic InformationStandards and Best PracticesStudies -see also- Commitees & Commissions; ReportsTime

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Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

No-cost preventive care in Maryland plans

Insurers must cover recommended preventive care without copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. This follows the State’s list of services. The rule applies for plan years that start one year after the State issues its recommendations. It also applies to plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027. High-deductible HSA plans must still follow federal rules.

Plans must cover child vaccines and visits

Beginning July 1, 2026, the child wellness package includes all childhood and teen shots the CDC recommended by December 31, 2024. The Secretary of Health can update this list. For plans issued or renewed on or after January 1, 2027, your plan must pay for the vaccines and the visits when a child is covered.

Pharmacists can give more vaccines

Starting July 1, 2026, trained pharmacists can give more vaccines. Flu, COVID-19, or public health emergency vaccines are for people age 3 and up. Other recommended vaccines are for people age 7 and up. Pharmacists must complete vaccine training, have CPR, use written protocols, report to ImmuNet, and tell a child’s caregiver about well-child visits and referrals as required.

State sets vaccine and screening list

Beginning July 1, 2026, the Health Department sets vaccine, screening, and preventive care recommendations for infants, children, and adults. The Department posts them online and sends them to licensed health professionals and the Maryland Insurance Administration.

Old pertussis rules repealed

Starting July 1, 2026, the State repeals the old pertussis sections of health law. Those sections no longer apply to agencies or providers.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Malcolm Augustine
Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

Pamela Beidle
Democratic • Senate
Kevin M. Harris
Democratic • Senate
Shelly Hettleman
Democratic • Senate
Cheryl C. Kagan
Democratic • Senate
Nancy J. King
Democratic • Senate
Clarence K. Lam
Democratic • Senate
Karen Lewis Young
Democratic • Senate
Sara Love
Democratic • Senate
Craig J. Zucker
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 137 • No: 44

House vote • 4/7/2026

Third Reading Passed

Yes: 105 • No: 32 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 3/23/2026